Maine DOT unveils plans for Route 236 traffic work

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Representatives of the Maine Department of Transportation on Thursday provided an overview of the Route 236 traffic project which, if successful, would reduce the potential for accidents at the intersections of Route 236 and Academy and Vine streets.

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By Mark Pechenik

seacoastonline.com

By Mark Pechenik

Posted Jun. 27, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Mark Pechenik

Posted Jun. 27, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Representatives of the Maine Department of Transportation on Thursday provided an overview of the Route 236 traffic project which, if successful, would reduce the potential for accidents at the intersections of Route 236 and Academy and Vine streets.

The presentation featured an overflow crowd within Council Chambers at Town Hall.

JoAnn Fryer, senior associate with CLD Consulting Engineers, cited project highlights which, in effect, will utilize several methods to slow down traffic at the intersection.

In addition, the roadway shoulder on this section of Route 236 will be reduced from 10 feet to 5 feet in width to "give motorists a clear signal that they need to slow down," said John Rodrigue, project manager with MDOT.

The total cost of the project will be $571,000. It will take place during the summer of 2015 over a two- to three-month period.

Another key measure of the project will involve signage reducing local speed on Route 236 from its current 45 mph to 35 mph. In addition, signage and flashing warning lights at nearby Marshwood Great Works School will further reduce the speed limit to 15 mph.

However, Rodrigue emphasized that such traffic signage will be in place only after completion of the project.

While many in attendance were pleased with the traffic plan's overall concept, several questioned why traffic speeds can't be reduced sooner.

"People on this corridor — many of whom do not live in South Berwick — travel at a high rate of speed," said Town Councilor Jack Kareckas. "I want to stress the need for reducing speed now."

"People in this area come out of their driveways and start at zero miles an hour and they are having a devilish time getting out onto Route 236," said Academy Street resident Bill Straub.

In response, Fryer explained that, "The danger is having a difference in the speed limit without any indication that drivers need to slow down."

She maintained that the project's traffic-slowing measures will warn motorists that, "hey, I need to slow down here."

Other concerns raised were a possible increase in Vine Street traffic which, according to Historic District Commission member Dan Boyle, could "endanger the historic district on adjacent Liberty Street."

Indicating that she often takes her "life in my hands" when entering Route 236 from the south end of Academy Street, Trish English, a resident of that road, asked that the reduced speed limit be extended.

"We hear what you are saying," South Berwick Town Manager Perry Ellsworth said. "And I can pledge to you tonight that we will be looking at the issue of lower speed limits."